CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Barack Obama sought to distance himself further Friday from the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, telling a North Carolina rally that comments by his former pastor that have been described as ”crazy” should not be used to judge his candidacy.
Obama has said his presidential bid was damaged by a recent series of public appearances by Wright, in which the pastor repeated earlier charges the Sept. 11 attacks were retribution for U.S. foreign policy and that the U.S. government had a hand in spreading AIDS to blacks.
But the Illinois senator, locked in a battle for the Democratic nomination with Sen. Hillary Clinton, said earlier on Friday in Indianapolis he would leave it to the pollsters to analyze the extent of the impact from the Wright flap on his campaign.
Obama broke publicly with his longtime pastor earlier this week when he called a news conference to criticize Wright’s remarks as “outrageous” and “appalling.”
“As we’ve done well in this election, as we’ve been successful, increasingly my opponents have spent their time talking, not about the issues, but about me,” Obama told a rally of about 9,000 people at Charlotte’s Cricket Arena.
“They’ve been saying, ‘Well, look at those crazy things his former pastor said or he’s not wearing a flag pin or he’s got a funny name, sounds like he’s Muslim,’” he said. “Those are strategies to divide us. We’ve seen those strategies before.”
Obama said his critics were out of line in questioning his patriotism.
“You want to understand my patriotism? I owe everything to this country,” he said.
Photo Credit: Reuters/Chris Keane (Obama speaks in Charlotte, N.C.)
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Wrights appearance at the National Press Club was facilitated by Barbara Reynolds, a Clinton activist.
- Posted by Duncan CraigThis was a put up job. Someone got to Wright.
Obama is damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t… wouldn’t want to be in his shoes.
It’s not surprising that the first Black POTUS would have to endure such excessive and extreme scrutiny– some folks see a Black POTUS as an end to their privilege.
Clinton’s & McCain’s ties to racist, shady characters (of which there are MANY)… ah, no problem!!
- Posted by lisaWhy wouldn’t anyone judge Obama by his pastor’s words and actions?
Obama brings his daughters, his children, to this church where this horrible race baiting Wright character infers that Condoleezza Rice is a prostitute, etc…. “Condoskeezza” as he labels her.
Wright is someone who’s benefitted from everything this country has to offer–including a fine education at the world renowned University of Chicago–no doubt on the GI Bill–yet he speaks about this country as if it’s harmed him in some way.
Anywhere else in the world and he’d have been an unskilled day laborer living in a slum but we’re supposed to take him and his criticisms of America seriously AND ignore Obama’s relationship with him, is that it?
This man is the one Obama chose to perform his marriage and baptize his children. This is a man to whom Obama tithed over $20,000 last year.
But we’re supposed to ignore those connections and pretend Obama’s views don’t coincide with Wrights???
These people, Wright and the Obamas, Barack and Michelle, are Ivy League racists.
Understand that clearly.
M
- Posted by MichaelObama has separated himself from his ex-pastor … get over it, and judge Obama for himself.
- Posted by IrisTo miss the oppourtunity offered in a Barack Obama candidacy would not only be a disservice to the American people, but a disservice to the Global Community!
- Posted by Brandon J MillerThe bottom line for Americans now is Obama needs to express a complete and unequivocal departure from Wright and everything Wright “stands for”. I think Mr Wright is very smart and doesn’t believe the garbage he was spewing but used his pulpit to play on people’s fears and superstitions. It’s the conspiracy theory all over again.In fact, it’s not that different from the nonsense that Osama Bin Laden spews to further his agenda. The point is, there are just as many gullible African Americans as white Americans and Hispanic and Asian.
- Posted by reginald mcleanIf everyone starts reading a little more and using common sense and logic they would recognize that there is no “New World Order”. Our lives are too complicated and hectic to waste time trying to keep other people down or creating an AIDS epidemic to wipe out certain groups.
I would like to see Obama really spell out more of his platform regarding issues not just the “change” mantra. I know he is bright and even sympathetic. He is the only candidate that talks about prudent economic policies and real environmental improvements. Hillary Clinton has been somewhat disappointing.
Just my views at the moment.
To SoularEnergy — are you kidding me? “Rich politician from expensive private schools that’s never had a real job in his life.” SERIOUSLY? He was raised VERY MIDDLE CLASS by WHITE PEOPLE, by the way. He worked his butt off and got into a well respected educational institution and then went to work AS A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER (where, I might add, you make NEXT TO NOTHING) and did that for many years before starting a career on politics. KNOW YOUR FACTS before you make ridiculous statements, please. And if you are going to judge EVERYONE by EVERYONE they have known, hold yourself to those same standards. I have wonderful friends and family who have done some dumb things in their lives, if I were to be judged by their errors, let alone my own, well, I don’t like to think about it. And it’s not like any of them have done anything heinous. They are all nice, middle class people. I might also add that ALL politicians know QUESTIONABLE people. And to judge Wright simply by his latest outburst and not in total of all he has done for his community, is typical American sound-byte, 2-second-attention-span mentality. It makes me ashamed. Yes, and I am a WHITE, SUBURBANITE who chooses to EDUCATE myself on the ISSUES of the day from MULTIPLE sources. Not just “mainstream” infotainment sources. If you want to judge Obama by Wright, I suggest you hold yourself and other politicians to the same standard. If you did, I don’t think Pat Robertson, and Rev. Hagge pass the smell test. But I guess because they are WHITE and preaching against “only gays” (and of course, women!) that makes it “ok” huh? By the way, look at our FOREIGN POLICY HISTORY. WE SUPPLIED OSAMA BIN LADEN with guns and MONEY. The first G. Bush was SADAAM HUSSEIN’S BEST PAL until the whole Kuait deal. What happened on 9/11 was tragic and horrible, however, there is truth in what Wright said about “chickens coming home to roost.” We have had some seriously flawed foreign policy and the problems in the middle east have been exacerbated by the fact that we have some of the most ignorant and short-sighted leaders in my lifetime in office right now. They have made a mess of America and by extension, the world. I LOVE MY COUNTRY and that means I also have the guts to call my own country out when we have done wrong headed things. Don’t bury your head in the sand. There are consequences to our actions — whether they are our own, individual actions, or the actions of our leaders. And whether or intent is malicious or just plain ignorant, we have seen what the repercussions can be. We need a NEW DYNAMIC in this country. THOUGHTFUL people who can see past their political “moment” and their own enrichment to bringing our country back to greatness and our country men together again on the issues of the day we CAN SOLVE rather than to have us swinging at each other over gay marriage and abortion which only serve to distract us from solving the real issues that need our attention NOW! PLEASE don’t be fooled by more of the same — wedge issues, the politics of distraction and more of the same. We truly have the ability to make a difference now. If you are looking for perfection, look to God. Right now we have people, fallible people, all of us, and fallible politicians. However, some are better than others. I would rather give Obama a chance, as I believe him to have the character necessary to guide this country — and I believe the entrenched political forces are fearful that he actually can change the politics as usual atmosphere. The government will be run by the people and for the people once again. That’s threatening to the power structure. Engage, use your brain, it’s a gift and we’ve all be too easily led by the politics of fear and the FOX “news” (I use the term ironically) and Fox New “lite” infotainment that is the mainstay of today’s American media.
- Posted by JenniferObama is a cunning and terrifyingly dangerous politician.
Barack says he won’t throw his pastor under the bus like he did his grandmother, and then he did.
Barack says he’s against the war but NEVER ACTUALLY VOTED AGAINST IT because he wasn’t in office then. And then he VOTED YES TO FUND THE WAR.
Barack says he won’t wear “that pin” on his clothing but then he is trying to say that he stands for it (when really he wants to switch it to something else).
Barack says he wants to be the #1 patriot in America and yet when the National Anthem is played, he doesn’t put his hand on his heart(as if the song doesn’t apply to him) - must be because it is the song of the “old ways” of America(which he wishes to destroy), the ways that hundreds of thousands have died for along the way.
Barack boils up some cursing and completely politically-reactive racial speech, tries to make us all feel deficient, says Don Imus should be burned at the stake and flushed in a toilet, and then turns around and says “Race is not a problem in America”(because that would trick people into thinking he doesn’t hate).
Barack says he’s a uniter but then devotes 20 years of his life to his “Mentor” and “Role Model” that has burned the very hate of America into his heart - see this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI77cU3js Fs ( also see more great stuff at: thatsmeontheleft.blogspot.com )
Barack says all people should count and “yes we can” but then he purposely, and cold-bloodedly stone-walls any chance of allowing 2+ MILLION voters in Florida and Michigan have their vote count.
Barack says he’s about “helping the working class live better lives” and then he turns around and slanders us not only by calling us “bitter” and “clinging to guns and religion”, but also forgoes offering a Universal Healthcare Plan(which is a core democratic value) - this is only so he can play both sides of the poor/rich fence, but in the end he leans more towards the former(with his ridiculous idea to raise capital gains taxes).
Barack says he has all these ideas for how he’s going to throw our government out of their offices onto the street but there’s no detailed information available for people to weigh his intentions with common sense.
Everything is about timing for Mr. Barack Obama, he plays “old style” politics better than a symphonic orchestra, he’ll switch from one major idea and then to the reverse like a windsock in an open field.
How long will it be before Barack throws the “American People”(as if we’re somebody else) under the bus, and then back up for another go.
Think long and hard, this man is playing the emotion card on America, and he intends to rip our heart out with it to pay back for his Pastor’s pain and conspiracy theories of yesteryear.
How does Barack Obama spend 20 years in a church with a Pastor whom married him and his wife, baptized his young, was named as “mentor” for his books(that made the Obamas millions), and is “unashamedly BLAMING AMERICANS like you and me” for every major problem that ever existed(without giving ANY credit to 200+ years of progress as a prosperous nation of all kinds of people) without coming out HATING America the same way? Barack Obama’s trashing of Pastor Wright doesn’t say anything good about his character, rather it shows just how far Barack is willing to go to play the “same old politics” and claw his way into the candidacy. Barack’s actions towards his Pastor of 20 years show just how shallow and irresponsible he is.
If you vote for Barack Obama, you will experience change alright, and it will hurt, like a dull blade being forced into your back.
- Posted by The Stark TruthIf you vote for Barack Obama, you will experience the Apocalypse of America.
Barack Obama is a true patriot. He believes in the US and the people on the US–he believes in the best in each of us. The reason we keep electing people like “W” is that the public is so easily fooled by the media and candidates who prey on the worst in us, our fears and prejudices. As Americans, it is true–united we stand, divided we fall. As for Obama’s pastor, he is a throwback to another time–another era. His background is totally different from Obama’s, he did not have a white mother and grandparents. Wright endured real racism in his life and it obviously left ungly scars and have made him a little nutty. Those of you who choose to hold Obama accountable for his pastor were looking for a reason to hate Obama. You are the ones who are like Rev. Wright–hate is destructive no matter who it comes from. God help this country. If we cannot come together regardless of race, ethnicity, religion and class–God help us.
- Posted by Margaret D.I believe Obama is not a typical politician - he is potentially much more and he was born to lead America at this time. The important question is - will America take up this generous and much needed opportunity?
Hillary can’t win on the issues, she can’t win on the numbers. She might win if she can leverage the party establishment sufficiently to over throw Obama’s democratic winnings. While, as many have mentioned in other posts here, Obama has not exploited them, Hillary has many more skeletons — and they are not even in the closet. I comment more on this in an earlier comment today.
The argument that her baggage has been picked over will mean nothing to the Republicans in the election. They will use everything that is there and stuff that we still don’t even know about — I’m sure there’s more to come or perhaps to be invented in a way patented by Rove/Bush and currently licensed to Hillary.
Most important, Hillary is in my view fundamentally not a strong leader and most vulnerable on the issues to losing to McCain. Clearly, she does not possess experience competitive with him in the areas where she claims an advantage - ready on day one, security and war. Just where does she have any background that supports this - her say so and that of all the generals who have been told to back her? This does not give her the experience to go head to head on these issues with McCain. Indeed, she is untested except for the Bosnia sniper fire I suppose. And, her husband’s experience does not count for her.
Hillary’s way to the nomination even with leverage on the party establishment is predicated on character assassination and racism. Obama’s character is good and she can’t dredge up any real issues- no Wright and Rezko and a slip of the tongue about guns and religion that is based in truth are not real character issues.
So she has initiated the chatter about guilt by association and she is trying to find as many such things and thread them together and say it makes a pattern. Now this gives license to the fools, the bigots and those afraid of change not to mention to bloggers that can hide behind anonymity in the virtual world. Also, to those that are figuratively blind supporters of her and the Republicans who now parrot obtuse connections to unsavory people or events and look to get it said that Obama and his wife are unpatriotic.
The best way for the Democrats to win in November is to harness the movement for change in politics and in Washington that Obama is leading. And not just to win, but because more importantly, it is critical to America’s future. Many now can see that this is a movement by the grass roots, not just a some well spoken words from Obama as some would have you believe. If Clinton got on the bus instead of throwing herself in front of it, all the more powerful. If she stopped crying “Obama is bad, the sky is falling, and I’m much better than what I say he is” and get on the bus, well, all the more powerful too.
I think now that Wright has spoken out so fully that the world can clearly see he has his own issues, this will now fall away. It is clear now that Obama is not Wright and that Wright is not Obama. These are two different people who are clearly of opposing views on the issues. To now even suggest that Obama also holds Wright’s instead of the right views is like suggesting he believes in aliens. This is now clear to reasonable thinking people, which I believe the majority of Americans are. And these people know it is time and I think actually have already moved on — it is way overdue. This is not expedient for Obama — it is imperative for America so she can get on with the challenge of restoring herself.
I ask Americans to step back from the fantic blogging and the fueling of divisive issues that are being stoked. Particularly those that call themselves leaders in the media and in the political sphere. I think if you do that the reality of the situation and the immediacy of the unprecedented challenges America faces will lead you to understand that there needs to be a meaningful search for the truth, the facts and a meaningful discussion of what is right (not what is left or right).
If it helps as a reminder, I list the obvious challenges here, and I’m sure there’s more if you take some time to think about it - the mistaken brutal, bloody and expensive war in Iraq, the mishandled war on terror, the still missing Bin Laden, the weakened economy, plummeting dollar, health care, Social Security, America’s reduced standing, lost opportunity and near irreparably damaged reputation in the world, the crying need to be resuming global leadership to solve for eg - the financial crisis [made in America], the environment, poverty, health, etc.. And leadership is not shoot before you look…..
And, I would forcefully add underlying all of this, the challenge is to restore the very clear decline in moral fabric of American society which has been mauled. Just look at the tremendous waste of energy on the Wright episode — the time that was spent by Hillary on this matter in her Fox interview for example. Surely this is not leadership or addressing issues - its ignoring all these important matters, and wasting precious time and energy on Wright (with a gleeful smile in the interview) and on anything divisive or derogatory to the opponent. This is about personal interest and dividing and conquering for your own ends and agenda.
A true leader would politely dismiss the questions about Wright or remark that it was a tragedy that he was so far off of reality on so many points. A leader would then move quickly on to the real topics. Leadership is about debating these issues and leading America through them. It is not about finding ways to use your power and position to arbitrarily, willfully and maliciously destroy the character of others in part through the mindless bloggers posting here. While, all the time, hypocritically promoting the notion that saying ugly things makes you a strong and tough person - a “fighter”. And because the other person doesn’t spit back in your eye they must somehow be weak.
And please in considering your vote in the Democratic primaries and in the general election look to what is in your own best interest and your families’ and especially, your childrens’ and their future generations’. If you do that, I think you will understand why you should choose Obama.
I invite you to also look at the prospects for America and Americans as a whole nation. It has the potential to be greater than the sum of its parts. Right now, it is notably less and a race won by exploiting divisions, will reduce it further. Just look at the nonsense in the blogosphere where everything seems polarized. Shame on the exploiters. There is no discussion. It is I’m right and your wrong. No search for the truth, which is easy to see if one just seriously looks. No balance etc. It is worse on the Clinton side in my view, something reflected in the high rating of those in her camp who say they will toss their vote in the general to McCain.
I am confident the American era of confusion, hate and fear will come to an end - it might be sooner or later but it will end. You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time….
America will get what it deserves out of this election - if its garbage in then its garbage out. America needs more than that, and to truly see the reality of the situation and vote for something different. If it does not, it will get more of the same. For something different, vote Obama. He may be just another politician. But it is undeniable that he might be something much more and he is leading a movement for change. Why squander the opportunity?
I believe America will have the courage to vote for a new politics, a new discourse and a new future based on truth, justice and the real American dream. And it will again lead the world.
- Posted by Paul StewartObama is no where near as rich as Clinton or Bush but somehow he is an elitist? Please. These are just excuses used by folks to not vote for Obama. Lets face it you weren’t going to vote for him anyway. We may believe that it is a legitimate issue to question his judgment by the folks he’s had relationship over the years but let not forgot that we are in a war in Iraqi based on even worse errors judgement. It is judgment based on a lie. The judgments made by both Bush and Clinton. This war will cost each and every single one of us in taxes- a war when intrest and payments are calculate will be over a trillion dollars and your worried about a gas tax that will save you 30 dollars on average. So keep falling for the same old tricks. We all pay for it sooner or later.
- Posted by JimEx-pastor??? A few weeks ago Obama described him as like a close uncle. Obama is just another rich politician from expensive private schools that’s never had a real job in his life.
- Posted by SoularEnergyMEMORANDUM BEFORE THE SUNDAY MORNING TALK SHOWS …
The Wright controversy allowed critics of Barack Obama to lay into his judgement, his political instincts and reaction time, and his temperament.
This Sunday, the chattering class will be intensely involved in a post-mortem of the controversy, and might find it profitable to ponder an example from American history.
“[He] had no spontaneity–no emotional nature … He was never a man of gushing feelings.
“[He] shrank from controversy as a general rule–hated quarrels, hated to say hard & sharp thing of any man …
“He was slow to form his opinions. He was deliberate, cool & demanded the light of all the facts surrounding the case. When he formed his opinions he was firm, especially about questions of justice [and] principle … [He] had unsurpassed reasoning powers. His logical faculties were great …
“[His] statesmanship [lay in his] adherence to principle. He studied where the truth of a thing layand he acted on his conviction. He looked far into the future and was philosophical, true, scientific, in his inductions.”
The opinion expressed above was held by Supreme Court Justice David Davis and the Illinois politican he was talking about was the same one for whom he had organized a successful presidential campaign in 1860–Abraham Lincoln.
Only time will tell if, once in office, Barack Obama will show the same wisdom that his fellow prairie lawyer Abraham Lincoln did.
But the gathering storms we are confronting as a nation suggest that such wisdom we will need.
Obama’s promise is that, like Lincoln, he is cerebral, eschews petty politics, is “slow to form his opinions” and demands “the light of all the facts.”
Obama, like Lincoln, possesses great “logical faculties”, and he has shown he is firm on questions of justice and principle.
After all is said and done, Sen. Obama’s promise remains great, and is fuelled by the phrase he like to invoke of Dr. King’s, the “fierce urgency of now.”
It is something one hopes the chattering classes will take into account, as they assay the political landscape and the hopes for our country.
- Posted by martin edwin andersenObama should have condemed this man long ago. I was waiting for him to do so but it took too long. It simply makes me wonder how far his ideals and ideas are from this man with whom he called family not so long ago. A man who baptised his daughter. The extreem ideals of blacks against white is scary. Any form of speration and widening of the people is wrong. I believe that even the million man march is wrong. It is about time that all men stand together. No, all people. We all need to join forces to stop wars, hunger, bias in the media, lies, hate and anger toward any people. It is way past time that we all join together and truely fight for peace. We all are on this planet for a short time period and we are erroding as a species in morality. There are a few select people making a lot of many at the expense of so many. Until we all see the power we have in a jointed effort we will slowly dissolve as we have been. Mr. Obama, it is in my view you did not stand up quickly enough. Shouldn;t that be the role of a president? This matter is important but what will you do when it effects USA and the time line is critical.
- Posted by GaryGod bless us all.
Has anyone stopped to think–with Hillary constantly posing slamming drinks back with “the boys”–what message she is sending to young people, ie., you have to drink to be popular?
And what “intern-friendly” Bill back in the White House would do to efforts to promote abstinence, or even responsible sex, among teenagers?
- Posted by martin edwin andersenAmericans, with Obama this is your time to get the friendness of the whole world. You are not only going to do it to America alone but the whole world. People of the struggling world with democracy will ask themselves,”If it can be done in America why not here.”People will realize that it is not the majority tribe, not the majority color, not the majority religion but even if one is not in the majority as I have mentioned above but with the capability he or she can lead the majority. With your example you will find that even in the muslim world a christian can be elected to lead the majority muslims if he or she can convice them that he or she has the right ideas.Americans, please forget your differences , elect Obama, your action will stablize the world.Economically it will be worthy because you will not be sending troops to settle differences in other parts of the world.Tourism will increase in America because everyone will want to come to visit the leading world. I am personally planning to spend my sixtieth anniversery ,January 30th,if Obama wins the presidency. There so many like me. I have not been to America, that will be the first time and the reason will be Obama as the president of United States Of America, the leader in every aspect of our life. Obama Go
- Posted by Abdul wamalahave no choice but to judge Obama by his pastor\’s comments. He has spent 20 years with the man. If he did not know Wright\’s views then Obama must be a very inattentive man. I believe Obama is hiding his true agenda and his past dirty Illinois politics. I trust him as far as could throw him. I know the Clintons-I have seen the worst and the best in them. If It comes down to Obama and Clinton -McCain has my vote.
- Posted by MARK ROBISONWhy are some people trying to derail Obama’s run for president by continuing to bring up Rev. Wright? How many times must he announce that he is not Rev. Wright, does not believe what Rev. Wright has said and has distanced himself from this person? The news media have nothing to report but Rev. Wright.
- Posted by Essie LowryObama wants to focus on anything but his own character and judgment. He cannot erase a 20-year relationship with a racist and anti-American pastor who he considered to be his “mentor and spiritual adviser,” by merely making a public denunciation required by his falling poll numbers. This transparent gesture won’t fool anyone but his most ardent supporters. The press has really let us down regarding Obama by not vetting him sooner. Perhaps they will make up for it by investigating the nature of Obama’s religion; black liberation theology. Why? Because anyone who would subscribe to such a racist theology for 20 years, is not fit to be President of the United States. Rev. Wright cites James Cone as his theological mentor regarding the theology Obama has been soaking up for the last 20 years. Here, in his own words, is James Cone’s description of Obama’s so-called religion:
“Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. The task of black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community. Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love.”
- Posted by FredWhat was that? You want to understand my patriotism? I owe everything to this country?
What does that mean? Oweing does not mean patriotism.
Not too clear - sounds desperate. He is slipping in the polls.
Pretty soon - no more Mr. Empty Suit Barrack!!!
- Posted by Robert NYC